I'll mainly say one thing - If you want broodiness and a LARGER bird, do not go with hatchery stock.
Another thing is, yes, Cornish (real ones) are a good idea. So are French Marans (check out this thread for some pics on the finishing product) and Buckeyes.
But as always, non-hatchery stock is always better for dual purpose and meat. Why? Because hatcheries breed solely for egg production. Thus, the bird will be smaller and skinnier. My hatchery Brahma is 1/2 the size of my non-hatchery Brahma, and the non-hatchery girl isn't even done growing.
Another thing is, yes, Cornish (real ones) are a good idea. So are French Marans (check out this thread for some pics on the finishing product) and Buckeyes.
But as always, non-hatchery stock is always better for dual purpose and meat. Why? Because hatcheries breed solely for egg production. Thus, the bird will be smaller and skinnier. My hatchery Brahma is 1/2 the size of my non-hatchery Brahma, and the non-hatchery girl isn't even done growing.
Good going! I also got two DC hens to have in my flock so I can have pures as well. I can't wait to retain some of my Half cornish to breed back to cornish to see what i get.
